I went to the WTP to follow up on Friday's report of a possible ERE.
I found a bird that generally matched the previous description, on the
shore about 100m north of the Borrie Lagoon Outlet (about 2km north of
Beach Rd). I observed the bird on and off for about 2 hours between 10.30
and 1.30 when the tide was high.
Things I noted were
* Legs seemed too long and thin for an ERE and were more like those of
a Little Egret
* Legs were grey and lighter on the back, feet were grey with pale
yellow soles
* There was a small (about 40mm long), but solid (not wispy) plume from
the back of the head. This was not always visible but was quite distinct at
times
* The bird was usually walking around on dry ground and not actively
feeding. It flew off several times, sometimes landing at other places along
the coast, but returning soon after.
* A White-faced Heron flew in and at times the birds stood together.
The WFH was much larger, indicating that the bird in question was the size
of a Little Egret rather than an ERE
* A Great Egret also visited a couple of times. Size comparison was
only available in flight, but the difference was huge.
To me the bird seemed to be a Little Egret but with legs paler than normal
and bill paler and with more yellow than normal.
It is interesting that the third photo of a Little Egret, on page 54 of The
Waterbirds of Australia, shows yellowish colouring on the legs and a long
yellow strip on the bottom of the lower mandible that extends, from the
base, over more than half the bill length.
Obviously there is some variation within the species and perhaps the bird
at WTP is pushing the limits of variation to the point of confusion.
I took some photos which I can email to those interested.
I'd be interested to know what others think, but it looks like I'll have to
go to Gippsland to get my ERE Vic-tick!
Cheers
Frank Pierce
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